Bizzarro’s probation officer body cam bill signed by Shapiro
Ceremonial bill signing held in Harrisburg
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro November 9, 2026 | 1:14 PM
HARRISBURG, Nov 9 – Counties across Pennsylvania can now allow their probation officers to wear body cams while on the job thanks to legislation introduced by Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie) that was signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Act 81 of 2026 changes the language in Pennsylvania’s Wiretap Act to allow county probation officers to be equipped with body cameras. Bizzarro championed this bill with advocates and leaders in Erie after the death of 43-year-old Marchello Woodard, who was fatally shot in July by his state parole officer during a compliance check. Although state parole officers are permitted to wear body cameras, this agent did not wear one at the time of the shooting.
Bizzarro’s legislation received overwhelming bipartisan support in both the state House and Senate, receiving little opposition in either chamber. The new law will help increase the safety of the community and law enforcement, while also promoting greater overall transparency.
“At the end of the day, this legislation is about making our communities safer and ensuring that both the community and the law enforcement officers that serve have the proper protections they deserve. Body cameras provide an extra layer of security, accountability and transparency that benefits everyone involved,” Bizzarro said. “While this law cannot change the past, it gives us an opportunity to make meaningful improvements that could help protect lives in the future. That’s something that matters to all communities across Pennsylvania.”
Gov. Josh Shapiro officially signed the bill on Oct. 22, just one day after its final passage. On Monday, Shapiro held a ceremonial bill signing to celebrate the new law.